County Probate Forms: Find the Right Packet (2026)

Probate forms are usually county-specific, so the right packet depends on the state and county where the probate case will be filed. Sunset generates state- and county-specific probate packets for every jurisdiction in all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, and you should still confirm the current filing steps with the county court or clerk before you submit anything.

This guide is informational and is not legal advice. It is written for families who are trying to deal with court paperwork after a death, often while also searching for accounts, paying estate expenses, and figuring out who has authority to act.

Why probate forms depend on the county

Probate is handled locally. Even when state law sets the broad rules, the filing packet can look different from one county to the next. A county probate division may require a local cover sheet, a certain order of documents, an e-filing portal, in-person submission, paper copies, or extra attachments.

That is why a generic probate form can create problems. The form may be close, but if it does not match the county's current filing path, the court may ask for corrections or extra documents before opening the case.

Sunset's probate packets are built around the county where the filing will happen. The goal is to help families prepare the right documents for that local court, with instructions that fit the county's process.

If you are still trying to decide whether probate is required at all, read Sunset's plain-English guide to when probate is required. If you are new to the court process, this overview of how probate actually works can help you see where forms fit into the bigger estate settlement.

How to find the right county probate packet

A careful start can save time later. Before you file probate forms, identify the court, the filing county, and the type of proceeding you are trying to open.

Here is the basic path:

1. Select the state where the probate case belongs.
2. Locate the county that will handle the estate.
3. Generate the county-specific packet and instructions.
4. Confirm the county's current filing options: paper, in-person, or e-file.
5. Check the official county court website or call the clerk before submission.

Court websites, addresses, and e-filing rules change. Always verify current instructions with the county probate division before filing.

Sunset can generate the correct, county-specific forms and instructions through the How it Works process. Sunset supports every county nationwide, including all 50 states and 3,000+ counties.

Examples of county filing paths by state

Sunset supports every county nationwide. The counties below are examples of how families should think about county-specific probate forms. If your county is not listed, you can still select your exact state and county when you start your packet.

California examples

In California, the county probate division is the place to confirm local filing steps. Examples include:

• Los Angeles County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Los Angeles County probate division" on the court website.
• San Diego County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "San Diego County probate division."
• Orange County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Orange County probate division."

California also has small estate options in some cases. For a separate look at one California shortcut, see Sunset's guide to California Probate Code 13100.

Texas examples

In Texas, local probate courts can have their own filing practices. Examples include:

• Harris County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Harris County probate court."
• Dallas County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Dallas County probate court."
• Tarrant County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Tarrant County probate court."

Florida examples

In Florida, probate filings also depend on the county court's current process. Examples include:

• Miami-Dade County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Miami-Dade probate court."
• Broward County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Broward probate court."
• Palm Beach County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Palm Beach probate court."

New York examples

In New York, many probate matters are handled in Surrogate's Court. Examples include:

• New York County, Manhattan: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "NY County Surrogate's Court."
• Kings County, Brooklyn: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Kings County Surrogate's Court."
• Queens County: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Queens County Surrogate's Court."

Other county examples

Here are more examples from other states. The same rule applies: generate the packet for the county, then confirm current instructions with that court.

• Cook County, Illinois: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Cook County probate division."
• DuPage County, Illinois: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "DuPage probate court."
• Maricopa County, Arizona: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Maricopa probate court."
• Pima County, Arizona: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Pima probate court."
• King County, Washington: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "King County probate court."
• Pierce County, Washington: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Pierce probate court."
• Fulton County, Georgia: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Fulton County probate court."
• DeKalb County, Georgia: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "DeKalb probate court."
• Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Philadelphia probate."
• Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: Start a Sunset packet to generate county-specific forms. For the official court page, see "Allegheny probate."

For all other counties and states, start your packet and select the exact county during setup. You can begin through Sunset's How it Works page.

What a Sunset county probate packet includes

A probate packet is more than a blank form. Families usually need instructions, attachments, notices, and proof that the person filing has the right role in the estate.

Sunset county packets can include:

• County-specific probate forms and instructions aligned to local requirements.
• Guidance for notices, letters or appointments, and required attachments, which vary by county.
• E-notarization where allowed, plus document prep for filing.
• EIN issuance for the estate and setup of an FDIC-insured estate account, up to $3M.
• Estate help beyond forms, including asset discovery, transfers, and distributions.

Sunset can also help families search for bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, life insurance, and real estate. That matters because probate paperwork is only one part of settling an estate. Executors and administrators usually need to identify assets and liabilities before they can make smart filing and distribution decisions.

Sunset searches 2,300+ financial institutions to find accounts and assets. Families can also use Sunset's pages for bank account search, investment account search, retirement account search, life insurance search, and property and real estate search.

Filing options: paper, in-person, or e-file

County courts do not all accept probate filings the same way. Some accept paper filings by mail. Some require in-person submission at the clerk's office. Some use an e-file system, and some require a court-approved guided interview for certain forms.

Before you submit a packet, confirm:

• The correct court name and division.
• The current filing address or portal.
• Whether the court accepts e-filed probate documents.
• Whether a local cover sheet is required.
• Whether notarization is needed and whether e-notarization is accepted.
• Whether the court requires original documents, certified copies, or both.
• The current filing fee and payment method.

The source court's website or clerk is the final place to confirm filing instructions. Sunset helps prepare documents, but courts control their own filing rules.

When to use Sunset and when to use LHI/Guide-and-File

Some courts offer or require a court-provided tool, such as LHI/Guide-and-File, often called Guide & File. These tools can be helpful when the county wants forms submitted through a particular guided interview or portal.

Use Sunset when you want estate help that includes county-specific forms plus the related work around the estate, such as finding assets, preparing filings, setting up an estate account, and helping with transfers and distributions. Sunset is free to families through our bank partnership. The estate does not pay Sunset, and all assets go to the beneficiaries and heirs.

Use a court-provided tool, such as LHI/Guide-and-File, when your county explicitly requires or recommends that platform for e-filing or for particular form sets, such as local cover sheets or intake questionnaires. You can still use Sunset for discovery, banking, and distribution around those filings.

A quick way to choose:

• If you need county-specific forms plus asset discovery, transfers, estate banking, and distribution, Sunset is built for that broader workflow and is free to families.
• If the court requires a guided interview to submit forms through a court portal, use the court's LHI/Guide-and-File process for that filing.
• If you need e-notarization and centralized document prep, Sunset supports e-notarization where allowed.
• If you want one place to manage filings and estate money movement, Sunset can help set up an FDIC-insured estate account.

Security, privacy, and authority to act

Probate paperwork often includes personal information, account details, and family details. Sunset uses SOC 2 Type II controls to protect data, along with strict privacy controls.

You can review Sunset's Privacy Policy for how information is collected, used, and how opt-out options work. Sunset's Electronic Communications Policy covers legally valid e-delivery and e-sign. Sunset's Terms of Use explain the limited power of attorney for specified estates to discover and close accounts with your explicit approval.

Sunset has helped 15,000+ families settle estates. If a matter needs legal counsel, Sunset can refer families to a local probate attorney.

Timing and cost

Sunset is always free to families. Sunset's family product is funded through our bank partnership. The estate does not pay Sunset, and all assets go to the beneficiaries and heirs.

Most families identify all assets quickly, often within days. Some bank confirmations can take up to two weeks. The timing for the court filing itself depends on the county, the type of case, and whether the court asks for corrections or additional documents.

The FDIC-insured estate account can help manage estate funds and pay expenses while the estate is open. For more background on why executors use one, read Sunset's guide to opening an estate bank account.

FAQ

Where do I get probate forms for my county?

You can get county probate forms from the county court's probate division or generate a county-specific packet through Sunset. Sunset supports every jurisdiction in all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, then you should confirm current filing steps with the official county court website or clerk.

Do courts accept automated probate packets?

Courts require official forms and local rules to be followed. Sunset generates county-specific documents for every jurisdiction and supports e-notarization where permitted. Many courts accept typed, printed forms that match the county's required templates. Some require extra local cover sheets or e-filing steps, so verify the latest instructions on the county probate division's website before filing.

Should I use Sunset or LHI/Guide-and-File?

Use Sunset when you want help with the broader estate process: asset discovery, county forms, an estate account, transfers, and distributions. Use LHI/Guide-and-File when your county requires or recommends that court-provided tool for e-filing or certain form sets. Some families use both: the court tool for a required filing step and Sunset for the work around the estate.

Do I need a probate lawyer to file county forms?

Many estates can be handled without a probate lawyer. Sunset states that 98% of estates don't need a probate lawyer, and Sunset can generate county-specific probate packets for those families. If counsel is needed, Sunset can refer families to a local probate attorney.

What should I check before filing probate forms?

Check the correct county, court division, filing method, local cover sheets, notarization rules, required attachments, and current court instructions. Court websites, addresses, and e-filing rules change, so confirm with the county probate division before you submit the packet.

Sunset can help you find assets, prepare the county-specific probate packet, set up an FDIC-insured estate account, and work through transfers and distributions. Start with Sunset to build your packet, then confirm the county's current filing instructions before submission.